Alnus cordata | Italian Alder

The Alnus cordata is a fast-growing, pyramidal tree native to southern Italy. This is a hardy tree, tolerant of exposure to strong winds, urban pollution and compacted soil, making it a good choice for industrial and derelict sites. The Alnus cordata is also useful in coastal areas and makes a good windbreak. This strong tree has large, glossy, dark green and heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The leaves remain on the tree well into winter, often as late as December. Long, pendulous, yellow and brown catkins appear in groups, February to April, before the leaves. Following pollination, the female catkins develop into small dark brown cones that remain on the tree throughout winter, after small-winged seeds have been dispersed. Male catkins are 10cm long. The Alnus cordata is a very versatile tree suitable for a wide range of locations from parks to riverbeds and derelict industrial sites. This tree is also a favourite for wildlife because it is an early pollinator suited to riverbeds and wetlands.

Mature Height

10-17m

Tree Features

Horizontal branch structure creates distinctive tree shape.

Large, glossy and dark green, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges.

Long, pendulous yellow-brown catkins appear February to April.

Clusters of dark brown cones hang on to tree thoughtout winter.

Smooth dark grey bark with vertical cracks as it matures.

Growing Conditions

Tolerant of most soil including chalk, wet conditions and poor, dry conditions. Will also tolerate compaction and urban pollution, and is resistant to wind and exposure.

Season of Interest

Spring - Long, pendulous yellow-brown catkins appear February to April.

Winter - Clusters of dark brown cones.

Tree Type

Standard, Feathered, Multi-stem

Growing Locations

Parklands, Gardens, Woodlands, Riverbeds, Wet Sites, Wildlife Habitats, Screening, Windbreaks, Coastal, Hedging, Urban Environments

Evergreen / Deciduous?

Deciduous
Did you know?

The Alnus cordata is often regarded as the finest of the species. Alderwood is still used today to produce the body of the high-end Fender electric guitar, the Stratocaster.